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Views of Ancient Rome

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Palatine Hill & Circus Maximus

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The Palatine Hill in later roman history became virtually covered entirely by the imperial palace. The various additions of the palace are all named after the emperor who built them, so therefore there is the Palace of Caligula, the Palace of Augustus, etc. Yet the residence is widely known as the Palace of Domitian. At the foot of the palatine, allowing the emperor an exclusive view from his palace, lies the Circus Maximus, its central spine (spina) around which the chariots would charge clearly visible. At the bottom of the picture we see the slope of the Aventine Hill bordering on the Circus. On the left edge the open space is the Forum Boarium. The aqueduct entering on the right and feeding the fountains and baths of the Palatine is the Aqua Anio Novus.